Woodstock tragedy strikes close to home

Woodstock fire and police officials continue their investigation into a believed carbon monoxide poisoning that tragically took the lives of a Husband and two children of an OPP officer Monday.

The family was found when a concerned OPP colleague went to check on the family after they had not been heard from for several days. Const. Laurie Hawkins, 41, is in critical condition after suffering from what appears to be carbon monoxide poisoning in the Woodstock home. Her husband Richard, 40, daughter Cassandra, 14, and son Jordan, 12, did not survive.

Sadly BayToday has been advised that both Laurie Hawkins (nee Gignac) and Richard Hawkins are both originally from North Bay. Richard played minor hockey here for the North Bay Centennials. He also played for the Toronto Marlies and Kitchener Rangers.

BayToday has contacted the Western Region OPP and will update as details become available.

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, tasteless and toxic gas and is often referred to as the silent killer.

The gas, a byproduct of incomplete burning of fuels such as natural gas, oil and gasoline, starves the body of oxygen and can poison the body quickly with high concentrations, or slowly over long periods of time. Symptoms that a person may be poisoned include headache and nausea.

The gas builds up from improper ventilation, including blocked chimneys or furnace vents.

Installing carbon monoxide alarms in the home can help to prevent a tragedy.